As an advocate for diabetic living and yoga, she was under the impression the FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system would be included on the PBS from March 1.

In November last year, Federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt stated the Liberal Government would subsidise glucose monitoring devices for eligible pregnant women, children and adults with type 1 diabetes.

"Our government also plans to add the new FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system to the scheme,” Mr Hunt said.

However, Ms Zinman was shocked to find out it had not been included.

"You get this feeling of despondency,” she said.

"This is super challenging for me, I don't have that consistency to know, it's life threatening.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said the device was not eligible for consideration on the PBS as it is not a medicine, but said there may be scope to include it in the National Diabetes Services Scheme.

"The FreeStyle Libre flash glucose monitoring system may be added to the list of products subsidised under the scheme, subject to price negotiations with the product sponsor,” the spokesperson said.

Now Ms Zinman is back to 20 finger pricks per day to monitor her levels.